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sirdjb-1
Reviews
The BFG (2016)
Rylance keeps the ship afloat.
When the film started out I thought it a little cliché with the orphan girl trotting around the decadent halls of an orphanage at the witching hour with her specs, torch and quilt seemed all so Harry potteresque. Plus, from a British perspective seemed a somewhat disconnected and insufferable American stereotype of Britons which grated on me. I also found the protagonist rather annoying at first. However, when things kick off with BFG screen time it was all quickly forgotten because Mark Rylance is perfect casting and he was such a lovable character. The motion capture technology used to embody the bumbling giant runt enabled all of the actors exquisite nuances to create the greatest on screen Interpretations of my personal favourite fictional characters. Largely due to his enchanting performance the mediocre film with its misplaced cultural references that surrounded him became insignificant. Oh and I eventually found some love for Sophie the protagonist as well.
No Country for Old Men (2007)
Everyone is entitled to an opinion. As long as it's justified.
Now I've seen some harsh reviews, but I'll always stand by the notion that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Plus that's not to say that this film hasn't been received well critically. However, when people make assertions like 'this films overrated' without being able to substatantiate that opinion it frustrates me because it gives this film a bad rep without good cause.
Now the reason I love this film is because it puts into practise that all too rare technique of showing, not telling. These days so much exposition and plot is just spoon fed to us in really haphazard and unnatural dialogue. In the first 10 minutes of this film you learn all you need to know about the two main characters with maybe two sentences? Not even dialogue. And more than that this film doesn't treat you like an ignoramus.
The film uses a lot of metaphors and analogies - so a lot of people will call it artsy or pretentious but they brings me back to my disclaimer. It's just one of those subjective things.
Another thing I like about this film is that it's very brooding or moody which for a thriller is great, you're constantly on edge. Javier Bardem as the antagonist is iconic. He's not your standard relentless murdering psychopath, he is a character with a code and morales.
It is a complicated film, it tells a linear story but follows multiple story archs and the film is very quiet which many people don't like surprisingly. Some people might find the ending alienating. But ultimately the film ends on an important social comment about humanity, modern society, age and so much more. It's a very interpretive film hence why it has such a dichotomous reception. Anyway, I'm rambling now, it's late and I'm tired.
Good day.
The Hateful Eight (2015)
A car could have it me in the face and it wouldn't have spoilt how much I enjoyed the film
Throughout his career the revered Quentin Tarantino has developed more than just a genre of himself, but a collection of work that has proved that he is a national treasure transcending being merely a modern cinematic icon but ultimately a classic and timeless figure in cinema.
The Hateful Eight has to be his most precise and literary film that accumulates a career of brining together some of the most talented people in their field of work from production design to cinematography to the spellbinding, stellar cast of actors.
First of all, the whole 70mm panovision thing that I expect the large majority of the audience will be uninformed of may wonder if it is some gimmick, as may even the cynics who apparently know what they're talking about. To cut it short, its what makes the hateful eight look so exquisitely textured. every shot; every frame even, is like the most intricate oil pastel paintings like a Baptiste Chardin or Liotard. It is a mouth waveringly, beautifully shot film. An epic format for an epic film.
Secondly, the work of Robert Richardson (cinematographer) who's long lasting collaboration with Tarantino is certainly reflected in this film as a culmination of all the best skill and artistry of the Tarantino collection which makes me happy, because I have seen this man grow into a master. Moreover, the production design by Yohei Taneda and the art department; all of the behind scenes people involved have seriously got their work cut out for them because this film is a masterpiece.
What is also great is the fact that this film has some long lasting collaborations in terms of acting and a group of people who are just ,obviously, so in tune with Tarantino's writing that it is just a joy and pleasure to watch them speak the Tarantino language. Every single performance brought a smile to my face and again we are presented with so many quotable lines from a director who's so far embedded into popular culture that when you search the term, you often are given Tarantino as a result. I loved this film, if you have never seen a Tarantino Film then typically what you have is an artistry in violence and at the fore front a script full of witty, philosophical, quotable dialogue. However, if you usually don't like Tarantino and his style, firstly why? secondly, give this film a chance because you could possibly miss out on a masterpiece. Anywho, thanks for reading, happy watching!
The Last Kingdom (2015)
I can't believe some the other reviews
When I started watching this, I was convinced that it was trying to be a comical parody of programmes like Vikings or game of thrones. I think other reviews are being over supportive because us In Britain want to be Able to say that we've produce a great period/fantasy piece like the two shows mentioned. Except it's laughably poor. It's horribly melodramatic and the lead is a discount Brendan Frasier look alike. Honestly some of the acting performances are so dramatic that they make me want to cringe and convulse. Some of the writing it so poor as well. I'd say the only saving grace of the show is that it's so poor that occasionally it makes me laugh at how something this (insert appropriate profane language) was actually funded, I know plenty of budding young writers and directors in England that would kill for the opportunity to produce such a project. Argsgwhhrjrejrbhr... Honestly atrocious, appalling a complete travesty.
Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)
Massively enjoyable and a fun take/pastiche of the spy genre
You may see reviews that are very critical of the violence.... But like duh?? Matthew Vaughn I mean come on? He did kick ass. People should really do their research before watching films. This film isn't necessarily needed to be taken seriously, although if you are a student of media/film studies there is a lot to be analyzed. kingsmen is extremely fun and if the sight of blood makes you feel ill and you enjoy good op violent action, perhaps you're a Tarantino fan? The film is fast paced not boring and easy to watch. A great set of characters (Taron Egerton's characters is slightly unbelievable as a street kid, but is otherwise captivating and comes across as very comfortable in the role despite his filmography being minimal in contrast to many of the a list cast but still holds his own. His forced cockney didn't annoy me, in fact I really liked his character and just went with it) the female antagonist is awesome and overall a really. Enjoyable, visually and technically impressive film with a great script.
Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
If I were to say anything bad about the film it would just be petty
Obviously there will always be 'haters' (I hate that term) but I think you need to be a picky person in order to give this film a bad review. Yes I am a marvel fan, but honestly if I had to say any bad things about the film they would be really petty. For me it was a great addition to the marvel universe and ultron will certainly be iconic... He is a scary balance of humour, sociopathic tendencies and melodramatic evil that you need to have an icon and favourable villain.. James Spader was the perfect choice for the role.
End credits was fine, didn't blow me away, it was kind of expected but there has been so much speculation as to what it would be with the huge roster of films to come that what I could have hoped for would have been unrealistic
Wheaton did well to give more screen time to characters who had possibly been neglected and the new additions added to the spectacle. I'm interested to see how they will develop. However I think once than anything this film just makes me so much more excited for civil war.
Overall, The Avengers: Age of Ultron is more likely to stand the test of time in comparison to its predecessor... It was funnier and it had some moments where, as a marvel fan I was going "wow" or laughing in mixed emotions of ecstasy at the various Easter eggs and fan fulfilment. Also, this film has a darker tone in comparison to most marvel films which gives an extra layer to what has admittedly becoming a repetitive formula which was a rather liberating experience.
The Walking Dead: Slabtown (2014)
It's a bit Confusing and just plain boring
So I'm watching this and just asking why Beth hasn't asked any of the logical questions? She just wakes up in a strange place with strange people in a community which is obviously governed by a totalitarian leadership and doesn't ask why she can't leave or what's going on? Or what's the rules? It just severely frustrated me. I can only assume that when writing the script for this episode the team thought they were going to try and be ambiguous about the plot... They try to make you guess but was all just so bloody predictable. I'm sure Emily Kinney is a great actor too! But she is unfortunately playing one of the most atrocious characters ever (in my opinion). And a hole episode that revolves around Beth? I'm not being flippant, I'm sure others will agree, but no one wants a Beth episode! I mean come on, give the fans what they want.